Square Enix deserves praise for taking risks by revitalizing dormant franchises with new entries while also delivering the beloved Final Fantasy series. Recent releases like Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, SaGa: Emerald Beyond, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and Theatrhythm Final Bar Line have showcased this commitment. Now, the Mana series gets its turn with Visions of Mana.
After spending around 10 hours with the game, it’s evident that Visions of Mana draws inspiration from real-time combat and open-world RPGs like Tales, Xenoblade, and modern Final Fantasy. However, what sets it apart is its exceptional class system, offering unmatched flexibility and unique combat mechanics. This fresh approach to classes, compared to previous Mana games, while different, stays true to the series’ roots. The game intertwines this with a simple yet engaging plot with some predictable twists.
Old roots, new story
The Mana series has always centered around plots involving magical trees, and Visions of Mana follows suit. The story revolves around a young boy named Val, chosen as the Soul Guard, on a pilgrimage to the Mana Tree. Along the way, he must protect the “Alms,” residents in each village chosen to sacrifice their lives to keep the world safe. While the plot may seem straightforward, it sets the stakes quickly without unnecessary delays. The story may follow familiar RPG tropes with religious themes, but the characters bring depth and charm to keep it engaging.
While the story may seem predictable at points, the characters, particularly Careena and Morley, add depth and intrigue. Careena’s struggles with identity and Morley’s guilt offer promising character development arcs. Their stories provide a strong foundation for further growth and exploration in the game.
Switching it up
Throughout my playtime, I’ve acquired Spirit Vessels like the Sylphid Boomerang, Luna Globe, and Undine Flask. These vessels grant access to various job classes, akin to mechanics seen in Fire Emblem games. What elevates Vision of Mana is that each vessel bestows a unique class to every character, fostering excitement and discovery with each new find. The diversity among classes encourages experimentation and frequent swapping, complemented by each class’s distinct abilities and aesthetics.
This flexibility extends to progression, where new attacks and moves can be acquired and transferred between classes. This seamless progression system adds depth and strategy without feeling like wasted investment. As I continue my journey in Visions of Mana, the promise of collecting new Spirit Vessels and unlocking more classes keeps the experience engaging and rewarding.
Visions of Mana promises an immersive experience, blending core series mechanics with innovative twists. The seamless integration of classes and progression mechanics adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, making every decision feel impactful. With the launch set for PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on August 29, the anticipation for further exploration and discovery in this rich world continues to grow.
